Unit 4: Forms of State

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Questions and Answers

What does the concept of vertical distribution of power primarily refer to?

The relationship between state and local governments

The division of political parties

The territorial distribution of state power (correct)

The hierarchical structure of governmental authority

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of federalism?

Promotes unity in the face of external threats

Central government has less power than regional governments (correct)

Allows for a pluralistic approach to governance

Involves a higher degree of decentralization than a unitary state

What is a key difference between a federation and a confederation?

A confederation is a union of states with a weaker central government (correct)

A federation leads to states losing their sovereignty completely

A federation allows more independence to member states than a confederation

A confederation functions without any form of central governance

Which modality of federalism is characterized by a strong central authority that may override regional policies?

Cooperative federalism Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following scenarios would the unitary state model be most applicable?

A small nation with a homogeneous population Signup and view all the answers

What role did the centralised organisations of the liberal state play in the 19th century?

To establish a uniform legal framework for the internal market Signup and view all the answers

Why did some territories that formed states during the 19th century reject the centralised power model?

They were wary of a central government due to prior colonial rule Signup and view all the answers

How did federalism serve the interests of large and dispersed colonies according to the content?

By facilitating greater autonomy and local governance Signup and view all the answers

What principle allows local communities to address issues of collective interest independently?

The principle of subsidiarity Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does decentralisation provide within the liberal system?

Enhances civic education and social capital Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of intergovernmental relations (IGRs) in contemporary governance?

Strengthening city councils despite resource challenges Signup and view all the answers

How does the European Union exemplify a supranational territorial level?

By allowing member states to collaborate on common issues Signup and view all the answers

In the context of governance, what does the term 'federalism' typically refer to?

A political system that blends unitary and pluralism models Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern associated with supranational institutions in the EU?

Coordination difficulties among member states Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'unitary state' imply in a governance context?

A single central government holds most authority Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinction between intergovernmentalism and supranationalism?

Intergovernmentalism emphasizes cooperation without sovereignty loss Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a federated state?

Power is shared between institutions in different territorial areas Signup and view all the answers

Which concept best describes the relationship between institutions in a federated state?

Horizontal coordination Signup and view all the answers

How does a unitary state typically manage its sub-state territories?

By delegating administrative functions with revocable powers Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately differentiates confederations from federations?

Federations involve a political agreement to share power Signup and view all the answers

In a unitary state, sub-state territories such as municipalities:

Operate under delegated and supervised functions Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'modalities of federalism' refer to?

The various ways power sharing is structured within federated states Signup and view all the answers

What best illustrates the governance of territories in a unitary state?

Central authority maintains oversight and sets legal frameworks Signup and view all the answers

In what way can regions in a federated state exercise their powers?

With a defined level of political autonomy and coordination Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unit 4: The Forms of State: Territorial Distribution of Power

This unit examines how state power is distributed territorially.
The vertical distribution of state power refers to its territorial structure.
The historical development of the nation-state model began in the Middle Ages.
The 19th century saw continued centralized power in the nation-state, aiming for national unity and a common market with equal rights.
This model often imposed a central government system on formerly autonomous territories.
Some territories (e.g., regions in Italy or Germany) resisted this centralization in pursuit of self-governance.
Not all 19th-century state developments followed this model. Some newly independent states or large colonies that were wary of powerful central governments, or those with a diverse population, adopted different models such as federalism.
A federalist approach is a more flexible formula, enabling unity in the face of internal threats and secessionism.
The USA, Mexico, Argentina, Canada, Brazil, and India are examples of this approach.
Later, with interventionism (New Deal) , a centralising evolution is observed in federations as the central government assumes greater control.

2. Territorial Models of the State

Small states usually have centralized power over the entire territory.
Larger states are more complex, often with sub-state areas (cities, regions, etc.) having their own political institutions with limited power.
These sub-state institutions are linked to and coexist with the state's power.
Two primary state models are:
Unitary: Original power is concentrated in a central authority that governs the entire territory, and may delegate some power to lower levels of government. Examples: much of Europe, including France.
Federated (Compound): Power is shared between the central and sub-state authorities. Specific responsibilities are outlined, often with distinct levels of government having distinct powers. Examples include the USA, Germany, and Switzerland.
Confederations are not states, but collections of independent states coming together to deal with joint matters. Decisions require unanimous agreement from all members. Notable Examples include the USA, 1777-1787, and Switzerland, 1291-1847. A contemporary example is argued to be the European Union.

3. Federalism and its Modalities

Federalism is a key form of structuring a federated state.
Modalities include:
- Dual Federalism: American-style, based on separate spheres of power.
- Cooperative Federalism: European-style; legislative centralisation but with political decentralisation and an interplay of various levels of government.
- Asymmetric Federalism: (as in Canada), where sub-state regions have varying levels of autonomy. Federalist forms are further identified by their special characteristics.

4. Centralized and Decentralized Political Power

Benefits of Centralized Power:
- Unity, imposing national interests on local interests;
- Homogeneity of laws, policies and standards;
- Solidarity (redistributing resources);
- Economies of scale (with efficiency in resource management).
Benefits of Decentralized Power:
- Civic legitimacy; better adapted to local needs;
- Increased effectiveness of decision making;
- Increased participation.

5. The Multiple Levels of the State in the 21st Century

Contemporary global issues challenge the traditional state model, leading to multiple layers of power.
This includes local, regional, national, and international/supranational levels.
The principle of subsidiarity is key; the highest level intervenes only when the lower levels cannot handle issues successfully..
The European Union, for instance, is a supranational entity, with some sovereignty ceded to the EU but maintained by the member states, creating a more complex model.

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Description

Explore the territorial distribution of power in various forms of state in this unit. Dive into the historical evolution of the nation-state model and examine the centralization and federalism approaches that shaped governance in the 19th century. Understand the implications for regions seeking autonomy and self-governance.